JACKFRUIT TACOS HAWAII

JACKFRUIT TACOS HAWAII is a medium Hawaiian recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Eat And Be Eaten HAWAII on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $25.10 total, $6.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Young Green Jackfruit (unripe, peeled and shredded; can use canned if fresh not available)
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (choose a smoky vegan variety)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing jackfruit)
  • 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (small, 6‑inch size; gluten‑free)
  • 1 cup Black Beans (cooked, drained and rinsed; can use canned)
  • 1 cup Papaya (peeled and diced)
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 2 pieces Hawaiian Chili Peppers (finely chopped; adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt (for seasoning jackfruit and chili pepper water)
  • 2 cup Water (for chili pepper water)
  • 1/2 cup White Vinegar (4 parts water to 1 part vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Work Area and Protect from Latex

    Lay down newspaper or a disposable sheet on the cutting board, put on gloves and an apron, and coat the surface lightly with oil to prevent the sticky latex from adhering.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Cut and Clean the Jackfruit

    Using a sharp chef's knife or machete, halve the jackfruit lengthwise. Remove the fibrous core and discard the large seeds. Scrape off as much latex as possible with a spoon, then rinse the flesh under running water.

    Time: PT20M

  3. Shred the Jackfruit

    Using your hands or two forks, pull the jackfruit flesh apart into bite‑size shreds that resemble pulled pork strands.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Cook Jackfruit in Barbecue Sauce

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded jackfruit and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in the barbecue sauce and ½ tsp sea salt, cover, and simmer for 25‑30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and the sauce is thickened.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Prepare Papaya Lime Salsa

    In a mixing bowl combine diced papaya, lime juice, red bell pepper, red onion, minced ginger, and chopped Hawaiian chili peppers. Toss gently and season with a pinch of sea salt.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Make Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water (Optional)

    Combine water, vinegar, sea salt, and sliced ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool completely, and transfer to a sterilized jar.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Warm Beans and Tortillas

    Heat the black beans in a small saucepan until warmed through. Meanwhile, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds each side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Assemble the Tacos

    Place a generous spoonful of BBQ jackfruit on each tortilla, top with black beans, a dollop of papaya lime salsa, and a drizzle of chili pepper water if desired. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
71g
Fat
12g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, Gluten‑Free (with corn tortillas)

Allergens: Soy (possible in BBQ sauce), Gluten (if using flour tortillas)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

JACKFRUIT TACOS HAWAII

Recipe by Eat And Be Eaten HAWAII

Vegan pulled‑pork style tacos made from unripe jackfruit, tossed in smoky barbecue sauce and served on corn tortillas with a bright papaya‑lime salsa and optional Hawaiian chili pepper water. The recipe includes step‑by‑step instructions for harvesting, cleaning, and cooking jackfruit, plus cultural notes about the fruit’s history in Hawaii.

MediumHawaiianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 5m
Prep
40m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
1h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.10
Total cost
$6.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Handling and removing the sticky latex from unripe jackfruit is essential to avoid mess and skin irritation
  • Cooking the jackfruit long enough in barbecue sauce ensures a tender, meat‑like texture

Safety Warnings

  • Wear gloves or an apron when handling unripe jackfruit to avoid latex sticking to skin
  • Use a sharp knife or machete carefully; keep fingers clear of the blade
  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

Jackfruit was introduced to Hawaii by early Asian immigrants and has become a staple in modern Hawaiian fusion cooking, especially among vegan chefs who value its meat‑like texture for dishes such as tacos and nachos.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of jackfruit tacos exist in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

In Hawaii, jackfruit is often paired with tropical salsas like papaya‑lime or pineapple‑coconut, and sometimes drizzled with Hawaiian chili pepper water, reflecting the islands’ love of bright, spicy condiments.

cultural
Q

How is jackfruit traditionally served in the islands of Hawaii?

A

Fresh unripe jackfruit is usually cooked in stews or barbecued, while ripe fruit is eaten raw as a sweet snack; the pulled‑pork style taco is a contemporary, vegan adaptation popular in Hilo’s vegan eateries.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature jackfruit tacos in Hawaiian culture?

A

Jackfruit tacos are popular at casual gatherings, beach picnics, and vegan food festivals in Hawaii, showcasing the island’s emphasis on sustainable, plant‑based meals.

cultural
Q

What makes this jackfruit pulled pork taco special in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

The combination of smoky barbecue‑flavored jackfruit with a bright papaya‑lime salsa and the optional chili pepper water captures the sweet‑spicy balance that defines many Hawaiian dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Barbecue Jackfruit Pulled Pork Tacos?

A

Common errors include not removing enough latex, under‑cooking the jackfruit so it stays rubbery, and over‑watering the salsa which can make the tacos soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a skillet simmer rather than a pressure cooker for the jackfruit?

A

Simmering in a skillet allows the barbecue sauce to caramelize and coat the jackfruit evenly, creating the desired smoky, sticky texture that a pressure cooker would not achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make the jackfruit tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Cooked jackfruit and salsa can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days; reheat the jackfruit in a skillet and assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas crisp.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the jackfruit is done?

A

The jackfruit should be tender, easily pulled apart, and coated in a glossy, thick barbecue glaze; it should not be hard or overly mushy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the tacos are done cooking?

A

The jackfruit will be hot and the sauce will have reduced to a sticky coating; the tortillas should be warm and slightly toasted, and the salsa should be vibrant and lightly dressed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Eat And Be Eaten HAWAII specialize in?

A

Eat And Be Eaten HAWAII focuses on exploring Hawaiian food culture, showcasing traditional ingredients, foraging techniques, and modern plant‑based adaptations of island dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Eat And Be Eaten HAWAII's approach to Hawaiian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The channel blends deep cultural storytelling with hands‑on foraging and preparation methods, often using native Hawaiian ingredients like jackfruit, taro, and local chilies, whereas many other channels focus on mainstream recipes without the cultural context.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to make vegan 'pulled pork' tacos with jackfruit
3

How to make vegan 'pulled pork' tacos with jackfruit

A plant‑based twist on classic pulled pork tacos using shredded young green jackfruit, homemade ultra‑thin tortillas, and a tangy cashew‑based sour cream. Perfect for a flavorful vegan Mexican‑style dinner.

1 hr 40 minServes 3$24
Mexican
Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Recipe
3

Vegan Jackfruit Tacos Recipe

A vibrant, plant‑based take on classic tacos using shredded jackfruit tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, served on warm corn tortillas with crunchy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sweet pineapple, fresh cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce.

40 minServes 4$11
Mexican
VEGAN JACKFRUIT CARNITAS TACOS! 🌮
3

VEGAN JACKFRUIT CARNITAS TACOS! 🌮

These vegan jackfruit carnitas tacos are packed with smoky, tangy flavor and a tender, shredded‑meat texture that will make you forget you’re eating fruit. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend taco night.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$12
Mexican
Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos
3

Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Tacos

A flavorful, plant‑based take on classic pulled pork tacos using young green jackfruit simmered in a smoky barbecue sauce, then finished with lime, mango salsa, jalapeños and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend taco night.

45 minServes 4$18
Mexican (Vegan)
Vegan Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Refried Beans and Apple Salsa
4

Vegan Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Refried Beans and Apple Salsa

A vibrant vegan taco recipe featuring smoky, spicy pulled jackfruit, creamy homemade refried black beans, a bright fruit‑cucumber salsa, and crunchy lime‑dressed red cabbage. Perfect for a treat‑like meal or a crowd‑pleasing gathering.

1 hr 20 minServes 3$11
Mexican
Episode 3: BBQ JackFruit Tacos("Pulled Pork")
6

Episode 3: BBQ JackFruit Tacos("Pulled Pork")

A plant‑based twist on classic pulled pork sandwiches using young green jackfruit that shreds like meat, paired with a zesty vegan coleslaw. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

50 minServes 4$23
American (Vegan)